Method of positioning the epidermis

ABSTRACT

A method for moving a first epidermal area relative to a second epidermal area using a plurality of adhesive coated anchoring structures and an elastic material, the elastic material being coupled to the anchor structures.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a divisional of co-pending U.S. applicationSer. No. 09/616,426, filed on 14 Jul. 2000, which is a divisional ofU.S. application Ser. No. 09/180,572, filed on 11 Jan. 2000, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,470,883, which claims the benefit of prior co-pending PCTApplication No. PCT/US97/00868, filed on 17 Jan. 1997, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/017,258, filed on10 May 1996.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to devices that may beused in the healing arts and arts generally related thereto. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to devices which may be usedfor a variety of purposes including but not limited to dressings forwounds, bandages, drug delivery systems, epidermal lifting mechanisms,and positioning mechanisms for positioning epidermal layers of skin onhumans and/or animals in a predetermined manner. The present inventionis thus believed to have application in the medical and veterinarysciences.

[0003] Several forms of the present invention relate to epidermallifting mechanisms and methods for increasing the flow of gases into thehuman body and more specifically to an epidermal lifting mechanism andmethod for allowing more oxygen to pass through the nasal cavity thusincreasing both the flow of oxygen into the lungs and the flow of airexhaled from the lungs. Consequently, embodiments of the presentinvention are also related to a group of devices which are sometimescalled nasal dilators. The present invention provides a comfortable andeffective device for allowing increased gas flow rates through the nasalpassages and into the lungs. Additionally, the present invention is animprovement in the field of bandages and suturing aids in that a personmay use the present invention to hold the ends of a wound together orapart for the purposes of suturing or cleaning the wound and/orincision. Further, the device of the present invention may be used toapply medicine or anti-bacterial agents to a wound or incision. Also,some embodiments of the present invention may be used to isolate a woundor burn in a sterile environment while allowing access to the wound areafor purposes such as irrigating the wound. Further, some embodiments ofthe present invention may be used to stabilize the wound or burn area sothat the skin around the wound or burn does not stretch with themovement of an individual and thus prevents further damage to the woundduring the healing process and allows for more effective healing of thewound or burn.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention has many applications. The presentinvention may be generally described as a structure for aiding in thefollowing activities: as an epidermal lifting mechanism for providing alifting force to a predetermined area of the epidermis, such as the arealocated to either side of the bridge of a persons nose to provide anincreased flow rate of gas through (inhaled and exhaled) the nasalpassage, e.g., a nasal dilator; a structure for aiding in keeping anincision open; a structure for aiding in keeping a wound open forcleansing; a structure for aiding in keeping the ends or edges of anincision or wound in close, neat, even, alignment by the application ofan even pressure across the wound, burn, or incision, so that the arearequiring treatment may heal, or be sutured and closed, neatly and thusdevelop minimal scar tissue; or as an epidermal positioning mechanism asa device for applying medicine to a wound or other desired place on theepidermis of a human or animal.

[0005] With respect to the invention's applications as a dressing theinvention may be generally described as comprising: a first section, asecond section, and a third section. Of these three sections, the firstsection is coupled to the second section and the second section iscoupled to the third section. The second section comprising an elasticmaterial with the first section and the third section each having afirst side; and a predetermined portion of the first side including anadhesive located thereon. The second section of the invention mayinclude a plurality of openings of a predetermined size andpredetermined shape.

[0006] It should be noted that the predetermined shape or shapes of theopenings may be spatially organized in a predetermined manner respectiveto each other. This is because in one embodiment of the presentinvention the second section is located between the first and thirdsections and is preferably composed of an elastic material. By placingopenings in the elastic material at predetermined locations the strengthof the elastic material, when the elastic material is stretched, may bevaried and the distribution of force across the elastic material may byvaried. Also, the openings can be used to provide a visual reference toa user of the amount of stress being placed upon the second section andwhether or not that section has been stretched sufficiently or beenstretched too much since the shape of the openings will change inresponse to the degree to which the elastic material is stretched. Sucha visual reference would be useful to medical personnel where, e.g., itis desirable for a predetermined amount of pressure to be applied to awound.

[0007] Further, the second section includes a first margin (if thesecond section is round then there is structurally just one annularmargin near at least a portion of the perimeter of the second section) asecond margin. The first section may be integral or coupled to thesecond section at the first margin; and the third section may beintegral or coupled to the second section at the second margin.

[0008] Preferably, but not necessarily, the first section and the thirdsection are laminated materials comprising a first layer, a secondintermediate layer, and a third layer; with the third layer includingthe first side coated with adhesive and protected prior to use by asilicone release liner. The second section includes a first margin and asecond margin. The first section includes a first channel locatedbetween the first layer and the third layer of the first section forreceiving the first margin. The second section includes a second channellocated between the first layer and the third layer of the secondsection for receiving the second margin. The second intermediate layercomprising an adhesive material. The first margin and the second marginof the second section respectively including at least one opening andthe first margin engaging the second intermediate layer in the firstchannel and the adhesive material extending through the opening of thefirst margin; and the second margin engaging the second intermediatelayer in the second channel and the adhesive material extending throughthe opening of the second margin.

[0009] The first and third layer of the first section and the first andthird layer of the third section preferably being an inelastic materialin some embodiments. The inelastic material may be of any suitablematerial such as a TYVEC brand type of material.

[0010] Alternatively, the dressing mechanism may be described ascomprising: a first section, a second section, and a third section suchthat the first section is coupled to the second section and the secondsection is coupled to the third section. The first section and the thirdsection comprising an elastic material and the first section and thethird section each having a first side; and a predetermined portion ofthe first side including an adhesive located thereon.

[0011] Further, the second section includes at least one opening of apredetermined size and the first section and the third section eachinclude at least one opening comprising a predetermined shape. Aspreviously noted the openings of predetermined shape are spatiallyorganized in a predetermined manner respective to each other.

[0012] Also, the second section may include at least one margin and thefirst section and the third section each have a respective margin area.The first section margin is coupled to the second section at a firstpredetermined portion the margin of the second section. The thirdsection margin being coupled to the second section at a secondpredetermined portion of the margin of the second section.

[0013] Preferably, the second section is a laminated material comprisingat least a first layer, a second intermediate layer, and a third layer;the third layer including the first side. The first section and thethird section including a first section margin and a third sectionmargin. Both the first section margin and the third section margin beingcomposed of an elastic material. The second section including at leastone channel located between the first layer and the third layer of thesecond section at the second section margin for receiving the margins ofthe first and third sections. The second intermediate layer comprisingan adhesive material. The first section margin and the third sectionmargin respectively including at least one opening and the margins ofthe first and third section-engaging the second intermediate layer inthe channel at the respective first predetermined margin area and secondpredetermined margin area so that the adhesive material extends throughthe openings formed in the material which makes up the first and thirdsection margins. The first and third layer of the second section may, inthis embodiment, comprises an inelastic material. The inelastic materialmay be a polyester.

[0014] Further, the second section includes at least one opening or atleast one generally transparent section to either allow the wound orburn to be exposed to the air to be observed visually. Additionally, thesecond section could be modified to include a mechanism for irrigatingthe wound or burn under the bandage so that the wound or burn could becleaned or treated without having to remove the dressing. Also, at leastone side of the second section could be designed so that it is capableof isolating the wound in a clean environment by creating a solidantiseptic barrier around the wound through the use of a colloid typeadhesive or be capable of contacting a wound or burn so that medicinecould be applied to the wound or burn directly.

[0015] With respect the features of the present invention as anepidermal lifting mechanism, the epidermal lifting mechanism may begenerally described as comprising at least one strip of material havinga first side and a second side, the strip further including a first endportion and a second end portion. Between the first side and the secondside are preferably one or more layers of predetermined materials.

[0016] These layers of materials include without limitation, a siliconecoated release liner, an adhesive system to adhere the epidermal liftingmechanism to the nose, a top layer of material, and a spring mechanism.Obviously, the release liner is removed prior to placing the epidermallifting mechanism on the bridge of the nose. The adhesive system, justlike the adhesive system for the dressing mechanism, can include apressure sensitive hypo-allergenic acrylic or a hydrocolloid materialbut any suitable adhesive system may be used. The top layer of materialcan be either a non-woven material or a material with some stretchcharacteristics such as a three mil polyurethane film. The springmechanism may comprise a polyester film (usually 2 mils to 8 mils inthickness but any suitable thickness range may be used, e.g., 1-15 milswould be suitable as an alternative thickness range but any thicknessrange can be used depending upon the desired use and durability)laminated to a spun bonded polyester material. The spun bonded polyestermaterial may or may not be coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive.The spring mechanism may be a plurality of materials which are laminatedtogether.

[0017] Although unitary, the mechanism has the following components: apair of nose pods and a bridge section. The nose pods include an exposedadhesive surface which is bonded to the skin on the sides of the nose.The bridge section of the device has at least one fulcrum point, locatedat the bridge of the nose when it is applied to the bridge of a nose,and lies across the bridge of the nose.

[0018] However, it should also be noted that the present invention couldbe applied to simply one side of the nose with the bridge section of thedevice ending at the top of the bridge of the nose and being adheredthereto. Alternatively, the bridge section could simply be a strip ofresilient or elastic material which is connected to the cheek of thewearer at one end by use of an adhesive material and the nose pod beingconnected to the side of the nasal passage at the other end.

[0019] It should be noted that it is preferable for the nose pods toinclude horseshoe shaped slits or cuts which are made in the top layerof the material through the adhesive layer which, when applied to thenose, allows the spring action to generate a uniform lifting force in asuction cup like manner while at the same time applying a shearing forceto the adhesive itself due to the presence of the slit structures,rather than a lifting force thereby creating flexibility from the liftpoint to the adhesion point. By decreasing the lifting (peel) force onthe adhesive, the stability of the bond between the adhesive and theskin is greatly increased and allows more flexibility of the dilatorduring facial movement. Thus the dilator will stay comfortably in placeeven during vigorous movement by the wearer; even when used inapplications other than a nasal dilator.

[0020] A pair of flaps attached adjacent to the bridge section of theepidermal lifting mechanism create another pair of fulcrum points(fulcrum point 2) between the bridge of the nose (fulcrum point 1) andthe adhesive material thereby increasing the dilation force of the outerepidermis of the nasal passages. The additional fulcrum points areaccomplished by folding of the flaps adjacent to the bridge sectionunderneath the epidermal lifting mechanism allowing the adhesive area ofeach flap to adhere to the bottom adhesive area of the bridge section ofthe epidermal lifting mechanism securing it in place. The flaps includeperforations for ease of folding.

[0021] As discussed above, the pair of flaps create an additionalfulcrum point. Further, when folded they provide a cushioned area forthe bridge of the nose to cover the adhesive on the underside of theepidermal lifting mechanism so when applied for several hours and thenremoved discomfort to the skin tissue on the bridge of the nose iseliminated.

[0022] When the top and bottom spring laminates are laminated togetherand the epidermal lifting mechanism is applied to the nose, the bendingof the multi-level springing increases the opening force to the nasalpassages over a single level spring. Adding a layer of spring materialon top of another layer of spring material creates a leaf spring action.Because there is a stretching force introduced into the top layer whenbent over a fulcrum point, a stronger spring action is created ascompared to a single layer spring of equal of thickness. Furthermore,bending over a fulcrum point or at multiple fulcrum points furtherimproves the spring action.

[0023] Additionally, various pod configurations may be used to allow forflexibility of the bottom spring and/or to allow the pods to conform tothe irregular surfaces of the nose or epidermal layer to which they areapplied.

[0024] A key advantage of this mechanism is that anytime a personengages in physical activity that increases his or her heart rate, thismechanism allows for the delivery of more oxygen to the lungs. Further,the mechanism allows for more air to be effectively exhaled and thusboth inhalation and exhalation are enhanced so overall breathingefficiency is enhanced.

[0025] Alternatively, this invention may be described as a method forincreasing the flow rate of gas through the nasal passages, the methodcomprising the steps of applying the epidermal lifting mechanism bybending the spring material over the bridge of the nose so that theadhesive material of the nose pods comes into positive contact with thesides of the nose and releasing the nose pods thus allowing the springsto mechanically lift the epidermal surface of the nose and increase thesize of the nasal passage openings.

[0026] Alternatively, the present invention may be a structure which maybe used as a nasal dilator wherein the nasal dilator comprises twoseparate pieces each capable of acting independently of the other. Eachpiece having at least one nose pod and an elastic member or stripattached to that nose pod. The elastic member or strip having a firstend and a second end with the nose pods being attached to the first end.The elastic member further having a second end attached to an anchormechanism. The anchor mechanism having a first side and an adhesivematerial included thereon. The nose pod having the previously describedstructure for a nose pod. The anchor mechanism being applied to apredetermined area on a person's cheek a sufficient distance away fromthe side of the person's nose so that the nose pod, coupled to theelastic member, may be applied to the outside surface or epidermissurrounding the nasal passage of a persons nose and the elastic memberretracting between the anchor mechanism and the nose pod causing liftingof the epidermis on the side of the nose and thereby increasing theopening of the nasal passage way.

[0027] Accordingly, the present invention may be considered an epidermalpositioning mechanism having an elastic material coupled to a first endpiece and a second piece. The first and second end pieces each having atleast one side including an adhesive material. Preferably, but notnecessarily, depending upon the application of the present invention, atleast one of the end pieces would be the anchoring structure ormechanism while the other end piece acts as a lifting end piece.

[0028] Additionally, the present invention need not solely be used as anasal dilator but, as previously noted, may also be used as an epidermalpositioning system for treatments of wounds and incisions by eitherkeeping the wound or incision open for the purpose of medical treatmentsuch as surgical procedures or cleansing of the wound or incision or bypositioning the ends of the wound together in close proximity to aid insuturing of a wound or simply to be used as a suture mechanism in and ofitself to hold the ends of a wound together or to hold the ends of anincision together.

[0029] Further, when the device of the present invention is used over awound it may also have application as a bandage. For example, theelastic or resilient material will have at least one side positionedover and adjacent the wound or incision area. This side positioned overor adjacent the wound or incision area may have a medicinal materialapplied thereto. This medicinal material may be, for example, zincchromate or an alginate like calcium or sodium alginate; each of thosematerials respectively having anti-bacterial and clot enhancingcapabilities. Other medicinal materials or even non-medicinal materialscould also be applied using the device of the present inventiondepending upon the goals and results desired of the particular user.

[0030] If the epidermal positioning mechanism of the present inventionis used as a bandage it should be noted that a bandage structure couldbe combined with the present invention such that the bandage structurewould have at least a first end and second end and elastic materialwould be coupled to the first end and to the second end with ananchoring structure coupled to a portion of the elastic material aswell. This would provide at least two anchor points at the ends of theresilient elastic material not coupled to the bandage structure. In thismanner one of the anchor structures could be adhered to the skin at apredetermined position and the bandage structure positioned over thewound or incision by stretching the resilient or elastic material andthen applying the other anchor structure could be to the skin at anotherpredetermined position. In this manner, the elastic material willcontract and this will have the effect of forcing the bandage materialinto more positive contact with the wound and thereby enhance theeffectiveness of the bandaged material. If desired a medicinal compoundcould be applied to the surface of the bandage material which isadjacent to the surface of the wound or incision.

[0031] The anchoring structure in such a use would of course comprise atleast two end pieces coupled to the elastic material at predeterminedpositions and the end pieces would include an adhesive material attachedto a side of the anchoring end pieces adjacent to the epidermis or skinto which they are to be attached. The bandage structure could also havea medicinal material applied to it as previously noted with respect tothe elastic material.

[0032] Additionally, the mechanism of the present invention could bedescribed as epidermal lifting mechanism having anchor/lifting portions,connected via an elastic or stretchable material, and include anadhesive surface. The anchor/lifting portions being such that eachportion, depending upon where it is applied, may act as either an anchorportion or a lifting portion. The anchor/lifting portions having aplurality of incisions or cuts of predetermined shape which divide eachanchor/lifting portion into a plurality of adhesive areas. This divisionof the anchor/lifting portion into a plurality of adhesive areas allowsthe anchor/lifting portion adhesive areas to be divided such that aftera first anchor/lifting portion is applied to the desired epidermallocation a first predetermined portion of that first anchor/liftingmechanism may be peeled away and leave a second predetermined portion,having a predetermined shape due to the plurality of cuts or incisions,in place on the epidermal location. Subsequently, a secondanchor/lifting portion, connected to the first anchor/lifting portionvia the elastic material, may be applied to a second predetermined ordesired epidermal location so that the elastic material is stretched adesired amount. The second anchor/lifting portion, if it issubstantially similar to the first anchor/lifting portion may be appliedto the epidermis so that it may be peeled away and leave a secondpredetermined portion, having a predetermined shape due to the pluralityof cuts or incisions, in place on the epidermal location. Accordingly,the first and second anchor/lifting portions may act as a separateanchor point and lifting point or as separate anchor points or asseparate lifting points and the elastic material may simply be used tosupply tension between the points or it may be used to apply a materialsuch as a medicine to the epidermis located between the two points or itmay be used to supply tension and apply a material between the twopoints, etc.

[0033] Further, the present invention may be described as a method forusing a dressing mechanism where the dressing mechanism comprises afirst section, a second section, and a third section; the first sectionbeing coupled to the second section and the second section being coupledto the third section; the first section and the third section comprisingan elastic material; the first section and the third section each havinga first side; and a predetermined portion of the first side including anadhesive located thereon. The method consequently comprising: First,applying the first section to a first predetermined location on anepidermis. Second, pulling the third section toward a secondpredetermined location on the epidermis. Third, applying the thirdsection to the second predetermined location on the epidermis.

[0034] Alternatively, the method could be described as a method forusing a dressing comprising a plurality of anchor structures, atreatment section, and an elastic material. The elastic materialextending from the anchoring structure to the treatment section. Theelastic material being coupled to at least one anchoring structure at afirst coupling section and to the treatment section at a second couplingsection. The method comprising the steps of positioning the treatmentsection over a first predetermined area of an epidermis; applying atleast one anchor structure to a second predetermined area of theepidermis; and applying at one other anchor structure to a thirdpredetermined area of the epidermis.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035]FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a prior art nasal strip.

[0036]FIG. 1A is a top plan view of the prior art nasal strip of FIG. 1including the flaps of the present invention.

[0037]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a relaxed multi-level spring.

[0038]FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a tensioned multi-leveledspring bent over a fulcrum point.

[0039]FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the epidermal liftingmechanism showing its layered components.

[0040]FIG. 5 is a schematic side elevational view of the epidermallifting mechanism wherein the arrows depict the sheer force and peelingforces.

[0041]FIG. 6 is a top plan view of an end portion of the epidermallifting mechanism.

[0042]FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the epidermal lifting mechanism.

[0043]FIG. 8 is a side elevational view depicting the primary layers ofthe epidermal lifting mechanism.

[0044]FIG. 9 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of theepidermal lifting mechanism.

[0045]FIG. 10 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of theepidermal lifting mechanism.

[0046]FIG. 11 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of theepidermal lifting mechanism.

[0047]FIG. 12 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of theepidermal lifting mechanism.

[0048]FIG. 13 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of theepidermal lifting mechanism.

[0049]FIG. 14 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of theepidermal lifting mechanism.

[0050]FIG. 15 is a side elevational view showing the epidermal liftingmechanism properly positioned on the bridge of the nose.

[0051]FIG. 16 is a side elevational view showing the epidermal liftingmechanism improperly positioned too high on the bridge of the nose.

[0052]FIG. 17 is a side elevational view showing the epidermal liftingmechanism improperly positioned too low on the bridge of the nose.

[0053]FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0054]FIG. 19 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention including an elastic strip.

[0055]FIG. 20 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention showing an embodiment having application for only oneside of a person's nose or for raising a predetermined portion of anepidermal layer.

[0056]FIG. 21 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention showing the elastic member having a first end coupledto a pod and a second end coupled to an anchor mechanism for applicationto a selected area of a person or animal epidermis. For example, theanchor mechanism could be applied to a person's cheek and the podapplied to the epidermis of a person's nose to enhance opening of thenasal passage.

[0057]FIG. 22 is a side elevational view illustrating embodiment of FIG.21 with the anchor mechanism applied to a person's cheek and the podapplied to a side of a person's nose.

[0058]FIG. 23 top plan view which illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 21in use to hold an incision open.

[0059]FIG. 24 top plan view which illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 19in use to keep an incision closed.

[0060]FIG. 25 top plan view which illustrates the embodiment FIG. 19 inuse to keep an incision closed with the ends of the incision kept inproper alignment to add in suturing the incision.

[0061]FIG. 26 is a side elevational view showing the embodiment ofeither FIG. 21 or FIG. 19 being used on persons nose as a nasal dilatorto enhance breathing. The embodiment of FIG. 19 is believed to bepreferable to the embodiment of FIG. 21 for this purpose although eithercould be used.

[0062]FIG. 27 is a perspective view generally showing a human nose.

[0063]FIG. 28 is a cross sectional view of the nose in FIG. 27 with thenose shown absent any nasal dilator.

[0064]FIG. 29 is a cross sectional view of the nose in FIG. 27 with thenose shown being in a state of relatively little air flow through thenasal passages.

[0065]FIG. 30 is a cross sectional view of the nose in FIG. 27 with anasal dilator of the present invention applied illustrating anappreciable air flow through the nasal passages.

[0066]FIG. 31 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment ofthe proposed invention.

[0067]FIG. 32 is a top plan view of an additional proposed embodiment ofthe present invention shown as the embodiment would be manufactured andillustrating the area that is removed to expose the adhesive and thenbent backwards and applied as shown in FIG. 33.

[0068]FIG. 33 is a top plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 32applied to an epidermal surface and illustrating the shear point, theadhesive, and the elastic or stretchable material.

[0069]FIG. 34 is a top plan view of an alternative structure to theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 19.

[0070]FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an another alternative structureof the present invention.

[0071]FIG. 36 is a top plan view of the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 35.

[0072]FIG. 37 is a perspective-view of an another alternative structureof the present invention.

[0073]FIG. 38 is a top plan view of the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 37.

[0074]FIG. 39 is a perspective view of an another alternative structureof the present invention.

[0075]FIG. 40 is a top plan view of the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 39.

[0076]FIG. 41 is a top plan view another embodiment of the presentinvention illustrating an embodiment of the present invention bysuper-imposing two views of the embodiment; the phantom lines showingthe embodiment at rest without the latex sections being stretched andthe solid lines illustrating the latex sections being stretched whilethe center or second section maintains position over the treatment areadespite the uneven tension applied to the various anchor sections.

[0077]FIG. 42 is a top plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 41illustrating how the second center section may be positioned and variousanchoring sections positioned to adjust the stress or pressure appliedat the center section.

[0078]FIG. 43 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0079]FIG. 44 is a top plan view of the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 43.

[0080]FIG. 45 is a perspective view of another alternative structure ofthe present invention.

[0081]FIG. 46 is a top plan view of the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 45.

[0082]FIG. 47 is a top plan view illustrating how force may bedistributed in two directions in a particular embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0083]FIG. 48 is a top plan view illustrating how force may bedistributed in four directions in a particular embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0084]FIG. 49 is a perspective view of another alternative structure ofthe present invention.

[0085]FIG. 50 is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in FIG. 49.

[0086]FIG. 51 is a perspective view of another alternative structure ofthe present invention.

[0087]FIG. 52 is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in FIG. 51.

[0088]FIG. 53 is a perspective view of another alternative structure ofthe present invention.

[0089]FIG. 54 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment to thestructure disclosed in FIG. 53.

[0090]FIG. 55 is a perspective view of another alternative structure ofthe present invention.

[0091]FIG. 56 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of thealternative structure shown in FIG. 55.

[0092]FIG. 57 is a top plan view showing the structure disclosed in FIG.55 applied over the incision of a wound and acting as a guide forsuturing the wound.

[0093]FIG. 58 is a top plan view showing the two of the structuresdisclosed in FIG. 55 being used to hold a wound open.

[0094]FIG. 59 is a perspective view showing the structure disclosed inFIG. 55 being used for guiding an intravenous tube and holding the tubein a predetermined position.

[0095]FIG. 60 is a top plan view showing the structure disclosed in FIG.55 holding the edges of a wound or incision together.

[0096]FIG. 61 is a perspective view of another alternative structure ofthe present invention.

[0097]FIG. 62 is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in FIG. 61.

[0098]FIG. 63 is a perspective view of another alternative structure ofthe present invention.

[0099]FIG. 64 is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in FIG. 63.

[0100]FIG. 65 is a perspective view of another alternative structure ofthe present invention.

[0101]FIG. 66 is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in FIG. 65.

[0102]FIG. 67 is a perspective view of another alternative structure ofthe present invention.

[0103]FIG. 68 is a view from line 68-68 of FIG. 69.

[0104]FIG. 69 is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in FIG. 67.

[0105]FIG. 70 is a perspective view of another alternative structure ofthe present invention.

[0106]FIG. 71 is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in FIG. 70.

[0107]FIG. 72 is a perspective view of another alternative structure ofthe present invention.

[0108]FIG. 73 is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in FIG. 74.

[0109]FIG. 74 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0110]FIG. 75 is a perspective view of another alternative structure ofthe present invention.

[0111]FIG. 76 is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in FIG. 75.

[0112]FIG. 77 is a cross-sectional view from line 77-77 of FIG. 84.

[0113]FIG. 78 is a cross-sectional view from line 78-78 of FIG. 86.

[0114]FIG. 79 is a cross-sectional view from line 79-79 of FIG. 86.

[0115]FIG. 80 is a cross-sectional view of a structure similar to thestructure disclosed in FIG. 86 illustrating the use of input and outputports which may be used to irrigate a wound or deliver medicine to apredetermined area.

[0116]FIG. 81 is a view taken from line 81-81 of FIG. 39.

[0117]FIG. 82 is a view taken from line 82-82 of FIG. 40

[0118]FIG. 83 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0119]FIG. 84 is a perspective view of the alternative structure of thepresent invention disclosed in FIG. 83.

[0120]FIG. 85 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0121]FIG. 86 is a perspective view of the alternative structure of thepresent invention disclosed in FIG. 85.

[0122]FIG. 87 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0123]FIG. 88 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0124]FIG. 89 is an illustration showing how the embodiment disclosed inFIG. 70 may be used on an area of the human body that is subject to ahigh degree of movement.

[0125]FIG. 90 is an illustration showing how another alternativeembodiment of the present invention may be used on an area of the humanbody that is subject to a high degree of movement.

[0126]FIG. 91 illustrates how another alternative embodiment of thepresent invention may be used as a nasal dilator.

[0127]FIG. 92 illustrates another method by which the alternativeembodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 91 may be used as anasal dilator.

[0128]FIG. 93 illustrates how the embodiment shown in FIG. 91 may beused to hold a flap of skin, in this case a human ear flap, in apredetermined position. This is useful where its is desired to have easyaccess to an area that might otherwise be blocked by a fold or flap ofskin thus making work on that area difficult or cumbersome.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0129] Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enablethose skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physicalembodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may beembodied in other specific structure. While the preferred embodiment hasbeen described, the details may be changed without departing from theinvention, which is defined by the claims.

[0130] The invention comprises an epidermal lifting mechanism forproviding a lifting force to a predetermined epidermal area, such as thebridge of the nose, to provide an increased flow rate of gas through thenasal passage and will be referred to generally as 10 in the followingdetailed description.

[0131] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 1A, a prior art device is shown. Theprior art device shown in FIG. 1 is currently marketed by CNS, Inc. ofChanhassen, Minn. and sold under the trademark BREATHE RIGHT. The samedevice is shown in FIG. 1A, however the device in FIG. 1A includes theflaps of the present invention whose structure and advantages arediscussed in detail below.

[0132] The present invention 10, indicated generally by the referencenumeral, includes a two part multi-level leaf spring 20 as shown in FIG.2. The two part multi-level leaf spring 20 comprises a pair of springlaminates 22 and 24. Each spring laminate 22 and 24 is manufactured froma 2 mil to 8 mil polyester film laminated to a spun bonded polyestermaterial. The spun bonded polyester material may or may not be coatedwith a pressure sensitive adhesive. The spring laminates 22 and 24 arelaminated together.

[0133] As illustrated in FIG. 3, when the top 24 and bottom 22 springlaminates are laminated together and the invention 10 is applied to thebridge of the nose, represented by the fulcrum point 26, the bending ofthe multi-level spring 20 increases the opening force to the nasalpassages over a single level spring.

[0134] Adding a layer of spring material 24 on top of another layer 22of spring material creates a leaf spring action. Because there is astretching force introduced into the top layer 24 when bent over afulcrum point, a stronger (compound) spring action is created ascompared to a single layer spring of equal thickness. Furthermore,bending over a fulcrum point creates a stronger yet spring action.

[0135] Now referring to FIGS. 4 and 18, the material layers of theinvention 10 include a silicone coated release liner 30, an adhesivesystem 40 to adhere the epidermal lifting mechanism 10 to the nose, atop layer of material 50, and the two part spring laminate 20. The toplayer 50 is composed of two layers of material 50A and 50B and containsthe springs 24 and 22 there between as shown in FIG. 18. The releaseliner 30 is removed prior to placing the mechanism 10 on the bridge ofthe nose. The adhesive system 40 can either be a pressure sensitivehypo-allergenic acrylic or a hydrocolloid system. The top layer ofmaterial 50 can be either a non-woven material or a material with somestretch characteristics such as a 3 mil polyurethane film.

[0136] The preferred embodiment of the invention 10 is shown in FIG. 7.Although unitary in construction, it has the following components: apair of pods 60 and a bridge section 70. The pods 60 include an exposedadhesive surface 62 which is bonded to the skin on the sides of thenose. The pod 60 configurations allow for flexibility of the bottomspring 22 to conform to the irregular surfaces of the nose. The bridgesection 70 of the device has at least one fulcrum point as shown in FIG.3 and lies across the bridge of the nose as shown in FIG. 15.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 6, the pods 60 include horseshoe shaped cuts orincisions 64 in the top layer of material 50 through the adhesive layer40 which, when applied to the nose, allows the spring action to generatea uniform lifting force in a suction cuplike manner while at the sametime applies a shearing force to the adhesive itself rather than apeeling force thereby creating flexibility from the lift point to theadhesion point. This principle is demonstrated in FIG. 5. By decreasingthe peel force 42 on the adhesive 40 the bond between the adhesive 40and the skin is greatly increased and allows more flexibility of theepidermal lifting mechanism 10 during facial movement. The shearingforces are shown at 44.

[0138] Referring back to FIG. 7, the present invention 10 may be furtherimproved by including a pair of flaps 80 which are attached adjacent tothe bridge section 70 of the invention 10. The flaps 80, when foldedunderneath or over the adhesive layer 40 of the bridge section 70,create another pair of fulcrum points along lines 82 between the bridgeof the nose (fulcrum point 2) and the pods 60 when the invention 10 isapplied to the wearer's nose. Thus, the flaps 80, when folded, functionto increase the dilation force to the outer epidermis of the nasalpassages.

[0139] More specifically, the additional fulcrum points 82 areaccomplished by folding the flaps 80 underneath the bridge section 70thereby allowing the adhesive area of each flap 84 to adhere to thebottom of the bridge section 70 thus securing it in place. The flaps 80further include perforations 86 for ease of folding.

[0140] As discussed above, the pair of flaps 80 add fulcrum points.Accordingly, when the flaps 80 are folded they form end sections alonglines 82 which will be located to either side of the bridge of the nose.Each of the end sections along lines 82 will act as a fulcrum point inaddition to the bridge of the nose thereby increasing the number offulcrum points and the mechanical lifting ability of the presentinvention. Further, when folded they provide a cushioned area for thebridge of the nose and cover the adhesive 40 on the underside of the abridge section 70 so when applied for several hours and then removed,discomfort to the skin tissue on the bridge of the nose is greatlyreduced or eliminated since no adhesive has been in contact with thebridge of the nose due to the barrier created by the flaps.

[0141] The material layers of the invention 10 are shown in FIG. 8.Again, the layers include a silicone coated release liner 30, anadhesive system 40 to adhere the epidermal lifting mechanism 10 to thenose, a first spring laminate 22, a second spring laminate 24, and a toplayer of material 50.

[0142] Alternative embodiments of the invention 10 are shown in FIGS. 9through 14. In FIG. 9, the shape of the pods 60 is shown to berectangular instead of round. In FIG. 10, the horseshoe shaped cuts orincisions 64 have been removed and additional slits 66 and 66A have beenadded. In this embodiment, when the flaps 80 are not folded over, slits66A mechanically adjust the peeling action to a shear action therebyallowing greater adhesion over the predetermined epidermal area.Additionally, in this embodiment a cut could be made along line 100 todivide the invention 10 into sections 13 and 15 whereby section 13 couldbe discarded and section 15 could be used as a dilator for only one sideof a person's nose. Additionally, two section 15's could be combined toapply to either side of a person's nose and thereby dilate each nasalpassage independent of the other. Additionally, this embodiment includessprings 24 and 22 which are of different lengths as shown in the FIGS. 3and 18. The ends of springs, shown by lines 83 and 83A, provide the mainlifting force as the springs 24 and 22 attempt to spring back intoposition. Therefore, due to the mechanical relationship of springs 24and 22 compound the lifting force applied at their ends 83 and 83A.

[0143] The embodiment shown in FIG. 11 includes slits 66 and furtherincludes a two-part pod 60. Pod 60 comprises an upper pod half 68 and alower pod half 69. Pod halves 68 and 69 and slits 66 allow for greaterflexibility of the pod 60 on the nose of the wearer.

[0144] The embodiment shown in FIG. 12 is similar to that shown in FIG.10 with the exception that the bridge section 70 has been widened. Theembodiment of FIG. 13 includes the wider bridge section 70 incombination with rectangular pods 60. Additional slits 67 have also beenadded near the outer sides of the pods 60. Slits 67 change the directionof the force applied to the pods 60 so that instead of a peel force (aforce which tends to peel away the pods 60 from the epidermis to whichthey are applied) to a sheer force (a force which tends to drag the pods60 across the epidermis to which they are applied).

[0145] The embodiment depicted in FIG. 14 demonstrates the principalthat different pod 60 configurations can be used on the same epidermallifting mechanism 10. The pod 60 shown on the left side has a slopingside to allow for better adhesion to the side of the nose.

[0146] The application of the invention 10 to the nose of the wearer isshown in FIGS. 15 through 17. Preferred installation of the epidermallifting mechanism 10 on the bridge of the nose is shown in FIG. 15 whilein FIG. 16, the epidermal lifting mechanism 10 is applied too high onthe nose and is applied too low in FIG. 17. However, while the positionsshown in FIGS. 16 and 17 are not preferred they are functional since thestructure of the present invention 10 allows a user the ability to applythe invention 10 over a relatively large epidermal area and thuseffectiveness of the present invention is greatly enhanced. The presentinvention will generally work effectively in all the positions shown inFIGS. 15-17.

[0147] Alternatively, this invention 10 may be described as a method forincreasing the flow rate of gas through the nasal passages, the methodcomprising the steps of removing the release liner 30, and positioningthe invention 10 as shown in FIG. 15 or as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17,depending upon the comfort of the wearer.

[0148] Referring now to FIG. 19, a top plan view of an alternativeembodiment of the present invention 10 may be seen to comprise anelastic midsection 110 having ends 111 and 112. Ends 111 and 112 arecoupled to pod sections 60. This embodiment does not include any springmechanism other than the elastic section 110; the elastic section 110taking the place of the spring mechanism. The resiliency of the elasticsection 110 will cause the two nasal pods 60 to be drawn together whenthe elastic member contracts. If this is done over a fulcrum point suchas the bridge of the nose it will cause a lifting of the nasal passagesand thus may be used as a nasal dilator as illustrated in FIG. 26.

[0149] Additionally the mechanism of FIG. 19 may be used as shown inFIGS. 24 and 25 to aid in holding a wound or incision 17 closed eitherfor the purposes of healing as illustrated in FIG. 24 or for the purposeof aiding in suturing as illustrated in FIG. 25. The pods 60 adhering tothe epidermis to either side of the wound and the elastic member 110being stretched across the wound so that it will contract and draw thetwo pods 60 towards each other thereby closing the wound in an effectivemanner. Additionally, when the wound is closed in this manner a surgeonor physician may have both hands free to apply sutures 115 along thewound or incision 17. This is believed particularly helpful when dealingwith a large wound or incision.

[0150] With respect to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 19it should be noted that U-shaped cuts or incisions 64 are alsoillustrated. Again, these cuts or incisions 64 may be of any shapealthough the U-shape or horseshoe-shape is preferred, however theembodiment disclosed in FIG. 19 could function without these U shapedcuts or incisions 64.

[0151] Referring now to FIG. 20 an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention for use as a nasal dilator is shown. In this embodiment thespring sections are included as shown in FIG. 18 although they are notshown in FIG. 20. This embodiment functions in a manner similar to theembodiment FIG. 10 and is simply meant to illustrate once again that thenasal dilator of the present invention could be applied to only one sideof a person's nose 19.

[0152] Referring now to FIG. 21 another alternative embodiment of thepresent invention is shown in a top plan view illustrating the elasticmember 110 coupled at its end 112 to pod 60 and coupled at its end 111to an anchor 120. The anchor 120 has an adhesive layer applied to it inthe same manner as the adhesive layer which is applied to the pod 60.The embodiment of the invention 10 shown in FIG. 21 has application formaintaining an incision opening or wound opening for either a surgicalprocedure or cleansing purposes as illustrated in FIG. 23 or for use asa nasal dilator for application to only side of a person's nose asillustrated in FIG. 22.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 22, pod 60 may be seen applied to the side of aperson's nose 19 and elastic member 110 is stretched so that anchor 120may be applied to the side of person's face 19A. Thus, elastic member110 will contract and pull pod 60 and anchor 120 toward one another, butsince anchor 120 is positioned on a substantially stationary epidermalarea of the persons face the majority of the movement will occur at pod60 causing the epidermal area to which it is applied to be pulledoutward and thus open the nasal passage.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 23, the incision 17 may be seen to be held openby the action of the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 21. The anchors 120are applied to a substantially stationary epidermal area and the elasticmembers 110 are stretched and the pods 60 are positioned to either sideof the wound or incision to hold it open so that the wound may becleansed or a surgical procedure may be performed through the incisionthus freeing the physician's hands for this purpose.

[0155] It should be noted that the U shaped cuts 64 are disclosed in theembodiment of the present invention 10 shown in FIG. 21. While these Ushaped cuts are preferred they are not considered necessary to practicethe present invention.

[0156] Referring now to FIGS. 28, 29 and 30; FIG. 28 shows the nose 19and the nasal passages 119 in cross sectional view. The nasal passagesin FIG. 28 being shown open but absent the use of any nasal dilator. InFIG. 29 the same cross sectional view is shown but the nose 19, and inparticular the nasal passages 119, are shown being in a state ofrelatively little airflow through the nasal passages 119. FIG. 30illustrates a cross sectional view using a nasal dilator of the presentinvention 10 wherein the nasal passages 119 of the nose 19 are heldsubstantially open for airflow through the nasal passages 119.

[0157] Clearly, the alternative embodiments shown in FIGS. 19 and 21could also be practiced according to the methods previously disclosed.Specifically, the embodiment of FIG. 19 could be practiced as a methodusing the structure previously described wherein the embodimentdisclosed in FIG. 19 is applied by first applying one nose pod section60 to one side of a wound 17 and stretching the elastic member 110 overthe wound 17 and then applying the nose pod section 60 to the other sideor opposite side of the wound or incision 17 whereby the wound orincision 17 is held closed. Additionally, it should be noted that amedicinal material could be applied to the elastic member 110 over theportion of its surface which would be adjacent to the wound or incision17 and thus aid in healing of the wound. Medicinal materials such aszinc chromate or calcium alginate or sodium alginate are possible suchcompounds.

[0158] Alternatively, the embodiment of FIG. 21 could be used in amethod wherein the pod 60 is applied to an epidermal area which isdesired to be pulled or raised. This epidermal area could be an areaimmediately adjacent an incision or wound 17 or the side epidermis of apersons nose 19. The elastic member 110 being stretched, and the anchorportion 120 being applied with its adhesive side to an epidermal area,which is relatively stationary and the elastic material 110 contracting,and thereby raising or pulling or lifting the skin to which the pod 60has been attached to via its adhesive side.

[0159] Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 31, 32, and 33, themechanism of the present invention could be described as epidermallifting mechanism having anchor/lifting portions 120, connected via anelastic or stretchable material 110, and include an adhesive surface121. The anchor/lifting portions 120 being such that each portion 120,depending upon where it is applied, may act as either an anchor portion120 or a lifting portion 120. The anchor/lifting portions 120 having aplurality of incisions or cuts 64 of predetermined shape (e.g., U shapedas illustrated in FIGS. 31-33) which divide each anchor/lifting portion120 into a plurality of adhesive areas 121 a and 121 b. This division ofthe anchor/lifting portion 120 into a plurality of adhesive areas 121allows the anchor/lifting portion adhesive areas 121 to be divided suchthat after a first anchor/lifting portion 123 is applied to the desiredepidermal location a first predetermined portion 121 c of that firstanchor/lifting portion 120 may be peeled away and leave a secondpredetermined portion 121 d, having a predetermined shape due to theplurality of cuts or incisions 64, in place on the epidermal location.Subsequently, a second anchor/lifting portion 125, connected to thefirst anchor/lifting portion 123 via the elastic material 110, may beapplied to a second predetermined or desired epidermal location so thatthe elastic material 110 is stretched a desired amount. The secondanchor/lifting portion 125, if it is substantially similar to the firstanchor/lifting portion 123 may be applied to the epidermis so that itmay be peeled away and leave a second predetermined portion 121 d,having a predetermined shape due to the plurality of cuts or incisions64 in place on the epidermal location. Accordingly, the first and secondanchor/lifting portions 123 and 125 may act as a separate anchor pointand lifting point or as separate anchor points or as separate liftingpoints and the elastic material 110 may simply be used to supply tensionbetween the points 123 and 125 or it may be used to apply a materialsuch as a medicine to the epidermis located between the two points or itmay be used to supply tension and apply a material between the twopoints, etc. The purpose of this alternative embodiment to takeadvantage of the multiple shear points 200 created using this design toenhance the adhesion of this embodiment to the desired epidermallocation so that the anchor/lifting portions 120 maintain properadhesion at their desired locations.

[0160] Referring now to FIGS. 35 and 36, another alternative embodimentof the present invention may be observed. The dressing structure 300 iscomprised of a multiple layer or laminated material 302 at its anchorsections 301 and 303 and a latex rubber 321 at its center section 325.The laminated material includes a top surface 315 made of TYVEC brandmaterial and a bottom surface 319 also made of the same material butcoated with a hypo-allergenic acrylic adhesive 327 and covered with asilicone release liner. The anchor sections 301 and 303 have an adhesivebottom layer 311 for adhering to an epidermis 11. The laminated material302 has a channel or slit 313 into which margins 317 of the latex rubber321 are engaged. The margins 317 include openings 304 and the channel313 includes the adhesive 327 which extends through the openings 304from the bottom 319 to the top 315. This creates a series of adhesiveopenings 304 which act as plugs which extend through the openings 304and couple the upper layer 315 to the lower layer 319 effectivelyholding the non-elastic TYVEC material together so that the latexmaterial 321 is effectively locked into the channel 313 and cannoteasily be removed by tension when stretched. Accordingly, margins 317are secured to the anchor sections 301 and 303 at locking section 317 a.

[0161] Still referring to FIG. 35 and FIG. 36 the center section 325 maybe observed to include a TYVEC brand material stabilizing section 323which is bonded to a gauze pad 314 via openings 316, in the latex 321which contain adhesive 327. The adhesive 327 extending in a plug likemanner from the pad 314 to the stabilizing section 323. This creates abandage or dressing structure which is suspended by the latex 321between the anchoring sections 301 and 303. Further, as illustrated byFIGS. 51 and 52, the shape of the TYVEC top layer 323 need not berectangular but can be of any design, e.g., round. When this embodimentis applied over a wound or other predetermined area of the epidermis 11the latex material 321 is stretched between the two anchoring sections301 and 303 which causes the latex 321 to act much like a leaf springand apply a positive pressure downward through the pad 314. Accordingly,the wound to which this device 300 is applied will have a positivepressure against it. It is well known in first aid that pressure appliedto a wound will help reduce bleeding. The present invention thusprovides an effective bandage which will also effectively limit bleedingfrom the wound. Further, the positive down pressure will effectivelymaintain contact of the pad 314 with the wound or other predeterminedarea despite movement of the surrounding epidermis 11.

[0162] Still referring to FIGS. 35 and 36 it should be noted thatstability strips 310 are included to illustrate that it is presentlybelieved that in commercial utilization of the present invention that itis believed to be desirable to provide material to keep the dressingstructure 300 relatively rigid prior to use. The strips 310 are removedprior to use by tearing the material 302 along the perforations 308. Thestrips 310 are separated from the latex 321 by gap 318. Also, shown inFIG. 36 is curve 320 which is believed to provide strain relief when thepresent dressing structure 300 is applied so that even pressure isexerted across the latex 321.

[0163] The openings 312, also shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, should also benoted. The openings 312 are located in a tension adjustment section 412of the latex 321. Depending upon the number of openings 312 or whetherthey are present at all the tension applied to the latex section 321.Further, as the tension adjustment section 412 of the latex 321 isstretched to apply the dressing structure 300 the openings 312 willbecome distorted. The greater the stretching the greater the tensionapplied to the latex section 321. Consequently, a person applying thedressing structure disclosed herein may visually see the amount oftension applied to the latex section 321. This allows a person applyinga dressing 300 or series of dressings 300 to apply the dressings 300 ina manner so that the pressure exerted by the stretching of the latex 321is kept relatively constant. Alternatively, it allows the user to applydressings 300 which will apply a variety of pressures across the desiredtreatment area.

[0164] Referring to FIGS. 37 and 38, an alternative embodiment from thatshown in FIGS. 35 and 36 may be seen, wherein the pad 314 and inelasticmaterial 323 are not incorporated so that only an elastic section 322remains.

[0165] Referring to FIGS. 41 and 42, and FIGS. 45 and 46, anotheralternative embodiment to the present invention is illustrated. Thisembodiment is substantially the same structurally as the embodimentsdisclosed in FIGS. 35 and 36 with the exception that two additionalanchor sections 305 and 307 have been added. Also, the stabilizingsection 323 is round rather than rectangular in shape. The pad 314 iscoupled to the stabilizing section as previously described. FIGS. 40 and41 illustrate that tension adjustment sections 412 need not all applythe same level of tension or be stretched equally. Further, the anchorsections 301,303, 305, and 307 may be moved relative to each other whilethe center section 325 is maintained in position over the desiredtreatment area. Accordingly, when the present invention is applied overan area of the body that is subject to movement such as an elbow, knee,or hand the center section 325 will maintain its position over the woundor area to which it is desired to apply treatment.

[0166] Referring to FIGS. 39 and 40 another alternative embodiment maybe observed. In this alternative the openings 312 have been eliminatedto illustrate that they are optional and not necessary structures topractice the present invention.

[0167] Additionally, the stabilizing section disclosed in FIG. 40 may beseen in FIG. 82 to be composed of a top layer 323 of TYVEC brandmaterial, a layer of adhesive 327, a layer of latex 321 having openings304, and a pad 314 to which an ointment 390 has been applied. The pad314 being coupled to the material 323 via the adhesive 327 which extendsthrough the openings 304 in the latex 321.

[0168] The stabilizing section disclosed in FIG. 39 may be seen in FIG.81 to be composed of a top layer 323 of TYVEC brand material, a layer ofadhesive 327, a layer of latex 321 having openings 304, and a pad 314.The pad 314 being coupled to the material 323 via the adhesive 327 whichextends through the openings 304 in the latex 321.

[0169] Referring to FIGS. 43 and 44 another alternative embodiment ofthe present invention may be seen. In this embodiment four anchorsections are again shown coupled via respective locking sections 317 a.In this embodiment just a latex material 321 extends between the anchorsections 301,303,305, and 307. A curvature 330 is provided in the latexmaterial 321 to allow for uniform stretching of the material. Also, aperforation 308 is provided to connect the anchor sections 303,305,307and 301 to each other prior to use of the dressing 300. The perforationsare broken when it is desired to use this embodiment of the dressing300.

[0170] Referring to FIGS. 47 and 48 it is again illustrated that thelatex section 321 of the dressing 300 may be stretched or extended in aplurality of directions. This allows for versatility of use on a varietyof surfaces.

[0171] Referring to FIGS. 49 and 50 another alternative embodiment ofthe present invention is disclosed showing that the openings 312 may bedeleted from the tensioning section 312 a if desired without detractingfrom the principles of the invention disclosed herein.

[0172] Referring to FIG. 53 a very simple version of the presentinvention is illustrated. In this embodiment the dressing 300 iscomposed of a piece of latex 321 having two ends to which anchors 301and 303 are respectively attached using an adhesive. The ends of thelatex 321 are simply sandwiched between the layers 315 and 319. A pieceof stiffening material 323 is glued across the mid-section of the latex321 and pad 314 is glued to the underside of the latex 321 asillustrated. The bottom side of each respective anchor section 301 and303 having an adhesive 327 applied thereto.

[0173] Referring to FIG. 54 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 53 withthe addition of a series of openings 383 being applied to the entiredressing 300. Depending upon the material through which the opening 383is made the function of the opening will vary. Openings 312 in the latex321 will act to vary the elasticity of the latex. Openings 383 a willcreate stress points and help maintain the dressing 300 in a straightalignment between its anchors 301 and 303. Openings 383 b will allow airaccess to the treatment area.

[0174] Referring now to FIGS. 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, and 60 anotherembodiment of the dressing 300, similar to the embodiment disclosed inFIGS. 37 and 38 is disclosed. In this embodiment the entire latexsection 321 is essentially comprised of tensioning section 412 havingopenings 312. The anchors 301 and 303 function as previously described.The latex 321 in FIG. 55 is held in place as described in FIG. 53 whilethe latex 321 in FIG. 56 is held in place as described in reference toFIGS. 35 and 36 by adhesive 327 extending through openings 304. FIGS. 57through 60 illustrate that this embodiment may be placed over anincision 17 to act as a guide for applying stitches 17 a, see FIG. 57,or embodiments may be placed to either side of an incision 17 to holdthe incision open, see FIG. 58, or the openings 312 may be used to holdan intravenous tube 307 in place, see FIG. 59, or the dressing 300simply be used to hold an incision 17 closed without resorting to theapplication of stitches 17 a, see FIG. 60.

[0175] Referring to FIGS. 61 through 66 and FIGS. 70 through 76 avariety of alternative designs of the dressing 300 may be seen. All thedressings 300 disclosed operate on the same principles previouslydisclosed but they are shown to illustrate that shape of the latex 321and the openings 312 may be varied without departing from the inventiondescribed herein. Also, illustrated is the fact that the pad 314 and thematerial 323 may vary in size and shape. Further, the radius or arcuatesection 330 may be varied in shape to provide for uniform distributionof tension across the latex 321.

[0176] Referring to FIGS. 67 through 69 another embodiment of thepresent invention may be seen wherein the latex 321 includes a ringsection 347 of material 323. Coupled to the ring section 347 is thelatex 321 and a clear urethane material 345 of the type commonlysuitable for medical applications; alternative materials may be usedsuch as any suitable breathable material depending upon the applicationdesired. As illustrated by FIG. 68 the ring section 347 is comprised ofa layer of TYVEC brand material 323, a layer of adhesive 327, a layer oflatex 321 having openings 316 which function in the same manner asopenings 304, another layer of adhesive 327, another layer of TYVECbrand material 323, the clear material 345, and a colloid adhesive 349.This structure creates a stable space 351 over the desired area and thecolloid 349 isolates the area and prevents stretching of the epidermis11 under the space 351 so that the wound or other desired area is keptin an isolated environment which may be observed through the material345. The colloid 349 and the material 345 isolate the wound fromexternal sources of infection.

[0177] Referring to FIGS. 85 and 86 another alternative design of thepresent invention may be observed. In this embodiment the center sectionis a breathable membrane 372 of a type commonly used for dressingapplications. Perforations 308 allow the dressing to be broken apart toform a plurality of anchor sections 301. Openings 373 are provided inthe member 372 to prevent tearing of the membrane 372.A locking section317 a, previously described, is provided. Referring to FIGS. 78 and 79the cross-sectional construction may be seen to include at top layer ofmaterial 323, a layer of adhesive 327, latex 321 including openings 304,adhesive 327, material 323, adhesive 327, the breathable membrane 372,and a colloid adhesive 349. The dressing 300 capable of covering adesired area of an epidermis 11 and substantially isolating that areafrom external contamination.

[0178] Referring now to FIGS. 83, 84, and 77 the same structures asshown in FIGS. 85 and 86, 78 and 79 are shown with the exception thatthe breathable membrane 372 has been eliminated so that there is only anopening 370. This dressing 300 is believed to have application where itis desired that the wounded or burnt area of the epidermis be exposed toair. Since the spring action of the latex 321 will press down on theepidermal area surrounding the wound or burn within the opening 370 thisis believed to cause the wound or burn to well up and thus receivemaximum exposure.

[0179] Referring now to FIG. 80 another alternative embodiment similarto the structure disclosed in FIG. 78 with the exception that thebreathable membrane 372 has been replaced with a sealed membrane 399,such as a urethane commonly used to hold IV type fluids. Extendingthrough this membrane 399 is an input port and an output port. Thisdressing 300 could be used to seal a wound from external contaminationbut allow the wound to be irrigated or medicine applied or tissuesamples taken.

[0180] Referring now to FIGS. 87 and 88 another embodiment isillustrated showing a resealable closure 380. The closure or zipper 380may bisect the dressing or extend only partially across the dressing300. The closure 380 is provided to allow access to the wound or burn orother area without having to remove and reapply the bandage.

[0181] Referring now to FIGS. 89-93 various applications of thedressings 300 described herein may be seen to be illustrated in use on ahuman being.

[0182] The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modificationsand changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described,the details may be changed without departing from the invention, whichis defined by the claims.

I claim:
 1. A method of moving a first predetermined epidermal arearelative to a laterally spaced, second predetermined epidermal area, themethod comprising the steps of: anchoring an adhesive coated anchoringstructure to said first predetermined epidermal area; coupling amarginal area of said anchoring structure to a marginal area of anelastic member; coupling an oppositely disposed marginal area of saidelastic member to a second adhesive coated anchoring structure;anchoring said second adhesive coated anchoring structure to said secondepidermal area, whereby said first and said second predeterminedepidermal areas are moved relative to one another.
 2. The method ofclaim 1 wherein said anchoring structures each include a first side anda second side.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein an adhesive material islocated on said first side of said anchoring structures, the first sidesfurther including a plurality of slits having a predetermined shape. 4.The method of claim 3 wherein said predetermined shape of the slits is aU shape.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein said elastic member includesat least one side having a medicinal material thereon.
 6. A method ofmoving a first predetermined epidermal area relative to a laterallyspaced, second predetermined epidermal area, the method comprising thesteps of: anchoring a first adhesive coated anchoring structure to saidfirst predetermined epidermal area; coupling a marginal area of saidfirst anchoring structure to a marginal area of a first elastic member;coupling an oppositely disposed marginal area of said first elasticmember to a first end of a bandage structure; coupling a second end ofsaid bandage structure to a marginal area of a second elastic member;coupling an oppositely disposed marginal area of said second elasticmember to a marginal area of a second adhesive coated anchoringstructure; anchoring said second adhesive coated anchoring structure tosaid second epidermal area, whereby said first and said secondpredetermined epidermal areas are moved relative to one another.
 7. Themethod of claim 6 wherein said bandage structure includes at least oneside having a medicinal material thereon.
 8. The method of claim 7wherein said medicinal material comprises zinc chromate.
 9. The methodof claim 7 wherein said medicinal material comprises zinc chromateimpregnated in a hydrocolloid material.
 10. The method of claim 7wherein said medicinal material comprises an alginate.
 11. The method ofclaim 10 wherein said alginate is selected from the group consisting ofcalcium alginate and sodium alginate.